Amit Arora

My top writing tools (as a dev who writes on nights and weekends)

I've been there, lost in a sea of scattered notes and endless drafts. 


If you're still using the basic notes app for your writing, trust me, you're missing out on so much potential. 


For writers, the right tool can be a total game-changer, making your writing process smoother, more organized, and far more productive. 


Here's what helped me level up my writing routine:


Why Your Writing Might Be Struggling:

  • Disorganized notes: How many times have you scrambled to find that one great idea or quote from your last brainstorming session?

  • Lack of structure: Writing without a clear system leaves you frustrated, with no real sense of where your story is going or how to keep it all together.

  • No backup: A sudden computer crash or lost document can undo hours of work--trust me, it's happened to all of us.

  • Disrupted creative flow: Without the right tool, it's hard to stay in the zone. You lose focus, and suddenly your writing momentum vanishes.


Top 3 Game-Changing Writing Tools That Transformed My Workflow:


@Scrivener - The Writer's Secret Weapon


Scrivener completely revolutionized the way I approach writing. It's built for writers like us who need structure and flexibility. 


  • With: Complete manuscript organization: Chapters, scenes, and notes are easy to organize and move around.

  • Built-in research tools: Keep all your research within the same file. No more toggling between apps.

  • Powerful editing features: Scrivener helps you streamline your editing process.

@Notion - The All-in-One Writing Hub


The notion became my go-to for everything related to my writing projects. 


It's the perfect workspace to:

  • Create custom databases: I have databases for characters, plot points, world-building details, and so much more.

  • Cross-platform sync: I can switch between devices effortlessly, ensuring I'm always up to date.

  • Free to start: Notion's free plan is more than enough to get started, which is great if you're just beginning your writing journey.


It's highly customizable, so you can set it up exactly how you like it!


@Campfire - The World Builder's Choice


If you're into fantasy, sci-fi, or any genre that involves deep world-building, Campfire is a must-have. 


I've used it to:

  • Create a story bible: All your world-building details in one place.

  • Map character relationships: Keep track of complex character dynamics.

  • Visualize timelines: See your entire story unfold with a timeline feature.


Campfire is built for complexity, and it helps keep all your ideas organized in one place.


Some Alternatives:


If you're looking for other options, here are a few I've tried and loved:


@Wavemaker : A free, powerful writing platform with everything you need to get started.
@Dabble: A cloud-based platform that's perfect if you like writing on the go.
@Reedsy: A minimalist, distraction-free writing tool that keeps you focused on the words.

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